Figuring out what to eat for lunch can be stressful enough. It’s especially challenging while at work hyper-focused on daily tasks not giving many thoughts as to how you can stick to your healthy routine for the day.

When you’re crunched for time, it’s tempting to just jump in the car and eat out at a nearby restaurant. But eating out can be difficult to do in a healthy way. Don’t worry; Weight Loss Direct has a ton of quick and tasty healthy lunch recipes for you to try. We picked five healthy lunch ideas that’ll be sure to get you through your day healthy and happy.

Healthy Lunch Idea No. 1:

Grilled Chicken Cabbage Wraps

woman wrapping grilled korean meat in lettuce at restaurant

Ingredients

  • 3.5 oz chicken
  • 1/2 oz green cabbage 2 leaves
  • 3 oz cabbage red or green, shredded
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tbsp pink salt
  • 1/4 tbsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp ginger fresh

Instructions

  1. Mix together finely grated ginger, garlic, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and chicken pieces
  2. Cook until chicken is cooked thoroughly and then add the red/green cabbage and cook until cabbage is slightly cooked
  3. Take the 2 green cabbage leaves and split the chicken mixture and place in cabbage leaves and roll into a wrap

In this healthy lunch recipe…

We’re eliminating empty calories; your typical flour or corn tortilla comes with a big nutritional gap when comparing calories &  nutritional value. We tossed the tortillas in favor of cabbage leaves (or try lettuce leaves as your taco shell) to add some vitamins and fresh crunch without getting any of the calories. A healthy lunch ‘win’ for your tastebuds and your health.

Healthy Lunch Idea No. 2:

Chicken Zucchini Poppers

chicken zucchini poppers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken breast
  • 16 oz grated zucchini leave peel on
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 3-4 tbsp cilantro or parsley minced
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 tsp pink salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 tsp cumin optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. Toss chicken with zucchini, onion powder, cilantro/parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper (and cumin, if using)
  4. Scoop mixture out by the spoonful and form meatballs onto lined pan, flatten slightly if desired
  5. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through
  6. If desired, place under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes or until browned on top

In this healthy lunch recipe…

Get all of your macronutrients in one bite (or a couple of them)! This healthy lunch recipe is super simple and easy to make in about 30 minutes or less. This “all-in-one” lunch provides ample amounts of protein, unrefined carbs, fats, vitamins & minerals your body needs, what’s not to love about this easy, healthy lunch recipe?

Healthy Lunch Idea No. 3:

Thai Cucumber Salad

cucumber salad

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1 full dropper of Stevia
  • 8 oz chopped cucumber
  • 1 tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
  • 1.5 tsp dried red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • lime wedge
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients together
  2. Garnish with lightly chopped lime and parsley if desired

We’ve talked before about how much we love liquid amino acids, and this recipe helps prove that. A healthy lunch recipe and great vegetarian option. It’s simple and different than the traditional salad, with a little bit of a kick to it.

Healthy Lunch Idea No. 4:

Texas Dirty “Rice” (Beef & Cabbage)

texas dirty rice with beef and cabbage in lime green bowl on table

Ingredients

  • 3.5 oz lean ground beef
  • oz cabbage finely chopped in rice sized (can use food processor)
  • 1 c water
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • pink salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • stevia to taste
  • Frank’s Red Hot Pepper Sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large frying pan, brown beef over medium high heat
  2. Add the rest of ingredients and cook until cabbage is tender adding more water as necessary
  3. Cook down until no liquid is left
  4. Serve hot

In this healthy lunch recipe…

This dirty rice isn’t rice at all, which is why it’s so great. Cutting down on those carb calories and replacing it with a nutritional alternative is an awesome way to stay healthy. Normally we’re craving carbs, but this dirty rice has us crazy for seconds.

 

Healthy Lunch Idea No. 5:

Mushroom Crust Mini Pizzas

gluten free pizza mushrooms

Ingredients

  • 8 oz portabello mushroom caps 2 caps
  • 5 oz chopped grape tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Remove stems from mushroom caps, scrape caps clean, and place on baking sheet
  3. Chop mushroom stems
  4. Combine mushrooms stems, cottage cheese, tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices
  5. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps evenly (serve any remaining filling on the side)
  6. Bake for 20 minutes
  7. Set oven to broil and cook another 3-5 minutes
  8. Eat fork & knife style or pick up like a piece of pizza (a little messy, but doable!)

In this healthy lunch recipe…

Mushrooms come in such interesting shapes, sizes, flavors; they’re quite the versatile ingredient for any meal and especially for healthy lunch recipes. You can swap in these mini mushroom crusts for a quick lunch recipe and it brings a lot of health benefits to the table too. These little mushroom crusts can crisp on the outside, somewhat similar to a traditional pizza crust. So you get to feel indulgent with this variation of of everyones favorite food (pizza) while also feeling good about your meal choice for lunch.

Takeaway on making lunchtime healthier….

Making healthy choices for each meal can be tough, but with time and consistency it’ll become more of a habit that you don’t necessarily think too much about. You’ll find that when you feed your body nutrient dense ingredients you’ll not only feel better physically but mentally too.

Choosing a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a struggle. Build-up your recipe rolodex (or Pinterest boards) with healthy recipes that include whole and natural ingredients, few-to-little processed foods, a balance of unrefined carbs, proteins, and fats, and have fun with new foods or new, healthier variations of your favorite dishes.

Get eating healthy & get started today with these healthy lunch recipes above and you’ll have taken step one towards your healthier, happier life.